On Monday, April 8^th there will be a total solar eclipse that will cross the eastern side of Canada from southern Ontario, and Quebec towards the Maritimes, following the path of totality over two of our great lakes and the St. Lawrence River.

Millions of people throughout North American will be witnessing this rare celestial event, which won’t happen again over parts of Canada until 2044.

Depending on where you live, the Great North American Eclipse will take approximately 2 ½ hours in duration, with the actual total eclipse event lasting only 2-3 minutes.

You can check your city on this Eclipse Simulator to see the event times.

 

Watching it Safely

We all know that you cannot look in the direction of the sun without eye damage.  So, if you are going to be participating in an Eclipse Watch Party, please ensure that you have proper eyewear.  Many municipalities are offering free Solar Eclipse glasses, or you can purchase them at several camera retailers.  Make sure that the legitimate eclipse glasses bear the manufacturer’s name and address on the label, and the ISO code IS 12312-2 is clearly noted.  Eclipse glasses must not be scratched, torn or punctured.

If you don’t have your solar eyewear, or you are not able nor interested, you can watch the event on television or in the local media.

Or, you can have a little fun and create your own “fun in the bathtub” Solar Eclipse!

 

 

Instructions:

1. Check out the actual solar eclipse times happening close to you, so you know when to start your bath.
   • The complete process occurs over 2 ½ hours, starting around 2:00p in southern Ontario; however, you may not wish to be in the bathtub that long, unless you are really enjoying yourself. The inline heater helps to keep your water at your desired temperature, so stay in as long as you want!
   • The total eclipse starts at 3:13p (for 2-3 minutes) in southern Ontario, and at 5:09p in Newfoundland.
2. With your ComfortSeries™ chromatherapy lights turned on to yellow or red (sun) at 2p, use your bath scrunchie or round loofah (moon), and follow the timeline for complete totality using your bath lights.

 

Did you know that you can even do this without the water in the bathtub?

Maybe you are babysitting your grandkids, and looking for something fun to do.  All you have to do is turn out the bathroom lights, sit in the bathtub, and turn on the chromatherapy lights, and follow the fun instructions above.

 

While this activity may seem silly, it’s still fun, and it gets you in your hydrotherapy tub for a massage session— for relaxation, and maybe reduce some aches and pains along the way.

 

Chromatherapy Tip:

When the sun is not shining as brightly in dreary weather, we can feel gloomy too.  ComfortSeries™ chromatherapy lights are designed to assist with emotional wellness, and can help support your mental well-being using light therapy.  Just sit in your ComfortSeries™ bathtub (with or without water) and turn on the chromatherapy lights, as often as you need.

For more information on ComfortSeries™ spa bathtubs and the healing benefits of Chromatherapy, scan the QR code with your digital device.

by American Standard Walk-in Tubs—Canada

1-844-867-7737

AmericanStandardWalkinTubs2u.com

Written by Lee-Anne Creery for American Standard Walk-in Tubs Canada

 

Ah, sunshine finally!

One of the most important things you can do is to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather.  But while you are taking a deep breath of fresh air and getting some much-needed Vitamin D, you’ll also need to practice proper hydration and sun protection, even in the Canadian winter & spring.

Here is what you should keep in mind.

While most people are itching to get outside and away from snow and COVID confinement, it’s important to remember that the sun’s UV rays are still powerful and can burn and easily damage older adult skin in a short period of time.

 

Sun Protection Tips

• Apply sunscreen (even in winter) with SPF 30+ one half hour before going outside
• Dress for the weather. It’s always best to layer clothing for warmth while it’s still chilly, and keep exposed skin covered.
• Wear a hat. Wide-brimmed is best to keep the top of your head covered, but also shade for your face and ears.
• Wear sunglasses. While you do receive Vitamin D through your unshielded eyes, 20% of cataracts are caused by extended UV exposure.  Ensure that your sunglasses are full spectrum UV protection, which will also shade the glare from bright surfaces such as wet pavement, and snow & ice.
• Go outside in the morning before 10a or after 3p, when the sun is less harsh, and less damaging.
• The same tips apply if you choose to stay indoors and get your sunshine in front of a window.
• Know the warning signs of overheating. Seek shade on days of high heat and humidity, and prevent mental confusion and high heart rate caused by heat stress.

Statistics show that 32% of Canadians are Vitamin D deficient, rising to 40% in winter; Health Canada recommends that people over the age of 50 need to take a daily supplement of 600 IU-800 IU (15mcg-20mcg) in addition to the natural or fortified sources of foods.

Vitamin D deficiency can have a severe impact on your overall health, from bone maintenance to protecting against cardiovascular disease; colorectal cancer, and regulating the immune system.

Although you don’t need sunlight as part of your DRI for vitamin D, it sure does feel good after what seems like a long winter’s nap!

If getting some sun isn’t your thing to boost your mood when the days are still gray, and you start to feel the winter blues setting in, boost your spirits with aromatherapy and essential oils.  Research shows that the components of certain oils can boost our mood, ease stress and help us to relax while supporting our mental health during winter blahs.  Citrus helps to remind people of summer and may invoke positive emotions.  What is your favourite aroma to help you feel good?

 

For Seniors, not drinking enough water can have serious consequences.  Dehydration is a leading cause of hospital visits among older adults who feel pain & discomfort, confusion & dizziness, and fainting.  Dehydration can lead to poor cardiovascular health, low blood pressure, blood clots, and painful kidney stones.

 

Hydration Tips

Water is the most important element to the human body.  Water helps your heart pump blood to the necessary muscles, it lubricates your joints, helps your organs function properly, and helps your brain prepare for the decisions that you make.

• You MUST drink 6 to 8 cups (8oz each) of water per day as a minimum.
• The recommended Daily Activity Level is 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week, so if you are an active adult, add 1 to 2 cups of water for every 30 minutes of exercise. According to this article by Reader’s Digest Canada, Dieticians recommend water intake differently for men and women.
• If you are thirsty, chances are, you are already becoming dehydrated, so be aware of dehydration warning signs: muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, chills, irritability, and dry mouth. Drink water immediately, or seek medical help.

Did you know that your fluid intake can also include food moistures?

Change your fluid sources, but remember that not all drinks are equally hydrating.  Water can be consumed cold or hot with lemon, in forms of tea, sports drinks, popsicles, or fruits and vegetables.  Apples, watermelon, celery and cucumbers have the highest water content.

But beware, make sure that you keep the sugar content/glycemic levels low.  Drinks like sodas, beer/alcohol, hot chocolate, lemonade, sweetened iced tea, energy drinks, flavoured milk, and smoothies can work against you, causing dehydration.

So, if you want a healthier hydrating beverage next time you are thirsty, reach for a sports drink that is helpful for replenishing electrolytes, or a moisture-rich food.

Read more:

Safety Tips and Healthy Living Recommendations

This year on Valentine’s Day, we’re dedicating this post to improving heart health. The best way to stay healthy is having a smart lifestyle — especially as we get older! Here are a few fun activities you can engage on Hearts Day to make sure you’re keeping your lifestyle healthy, today and every day.

Fun Activities to Maintain a Healthy Heart

1. Get Moving

Aerobic physical activity or cardio is a great option for seniors looking to boost heart health. And the best part? You don’t have to jog! Cardio is easy to do and inexpensive. Plus, it’s a great way to spend family time. Could a neighborhood walk with your kids really improve your physical health? Yes!

To get the ball rolling, here are some moderate-intensity exercises for your heart and lungs that you can do to improve heart health.

• Brisk walking
• Tennis
• Swimming or water aerobics
• Cycling
• Hiking

Just remember to speak to your doctor before you start an exercise program.

2. Spend Time With Your Pet

Pets have been proven to reduce stress, which is one of the leading causes of heart health problems. Pet owners demonstrate lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, which reduces their risk of heart attack. During American Heart Month, give your pet extra cuddles, take a walk for some aerobic physical activity, or adopt a furry friend. Your heart will definitely appreciate it. Woof!

3. Treat Yourself to Some Chocolate

Believe it or not, one of the yummiest ways to improve your heart health is by eating chocolate. Although nutritionists agree that dark chocolate has the most health benefits, there is a study showing that all kinds of chocolate may help lower your risk of heart problems. If dark chocolate is your favorite sweet treat, you’re in luck. Dark chocolate contains less sugar, a higher ratio of cocoa, and more antioxidants. Eating chocolate helps you balance your cholesterol!

4. Have a Laugh

Go to see a comedy show, laugh with friends, or watch funny videos! Laughter tends to reduce blood pressure and a sense of humor is even better for your health. There is research showing the greater your sense of humor is, the lower the risk you have of developing heart disease. Laughing at humorous things also helps battle against distressing emotions like depression, anxiety, and anger, all of which increase the likelihood of heart problems. The saying “Laughter is the best medicine” truly does hit home with this heart healthy activity.

5. Eat Breakfast

We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it turns out that this morning meal can help you for years to come. A study of over 4,000 participants found that those who get less than five percent of their daily calories from breakfast (100 of the 2,000 recommended for women) were more likely to have clogged and damaged arteries than those who eat a high-energy breakfast (over 400 calories for women). Grab your fresh fruit, whip up some eggs, and improve your heart health with a tasty breakfast every day.

6. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Blissful, uninterrupted sleep is a necessary activity we all enjoy after a long day. You wake up feeling rested and energized after a good night’s sleep and your body benefits from it, too. Not getting enough sleep can lead to negative side effects. According to a 2017 study of nearly 13,000 adults, researchers found that those experiencing poor sleep had a 71% higher risk of ischemic heart disease and a 45% higher risk of stroke. There’s an easy solution, folks. Get those eight hours of shut eye and you’ll improve your heart health, as well as your memory and concentration.

7. Have a Hot Bath

Soaking in a hot bath is an effective way to relax your mind and rejuvenate your body. Bathing has also been found to reduce stress and improve your heart health. Recent studies have shown that people who take at least five hot baths a week have significantly lower markers of atherosclerosis and cardiac loading. Basically, five baths a week can improve your cardiovascular system, including circulation.

For today and the months to come, enjoy a daily bath with all the fun add-ons like candles, bubble bath products, and music. Just make sure you’re staying safe in the bathroom. A walk-in tub is a great way to increase ease-of-use and lower your chances of falling.

There’s no better time to start taking care of your health than Valentine’s Day. It doesn’t have to be a chore either. Improve your heart health with these fun activities that can help you be healthier and happier for the years to come.

Want to learn more about the best walk-in tub in Canada? Click the button below to get a free estimate!

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According to Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), data shown on Injury and Trauma Quick Stats, stated that in 2020, half of all injury-related hospitalizations were by Canadian seniors, who fell at home.  Preventable falls are the #1 reason for injury-related deaths, hospitalizations and emergency room visits by older adults, and as our population ages, this number is expected to increase.  Falls can lead to devastating injury and the lasting effects of chronic pain and reduced Quality of Life.  Parachute Canada is a national charity for injury prevention, and the best way to prevent falls, is to prepare for them.  Focussing on lifestyle key strategies and increasing awareness, you can prepare your environment to be less hazardous, and more of a safe haven.  Below are some tips and tools that can help keep you safe in your home.

Senior Home Safety in the Bathroom

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention , about 235,000 people over the age of 15 ended up in the emergency room because of a bathroom injury. To help prevent being one of those numbers, here are some tips to help make your bathroom safer:

• Add some traction to the bathroom floor and tub with slip-resistant mats, which can help minimize slips and falls.
• Instead of using the flimsy towel bar, install grab bars. Grab bars are more stable, can handle a person’s body weight, and can be strategically placed in the room to provide stability when needed.
• Invest in a walk in-tub, which help people with mobility issues enjoy a relaxing bath without having to step over a slippery edge. You can sit safely while you bathe which reduces the risk of slipping.

Stair Safety

Stairways are the second most common area for falls besides the bathroom.  The following are essential to ensure your safety at or near the stairs:

• Handrails:  ensure handrail is securely attached at, above and below the stairs to landings.
• Lighting:  ensure stairs and hallways are well lit, and switches are easy to reach.
• Clutter-free:  remove all items from stairs and landings, even if they are just placed temporarily

Senior Home Safety in the Bedroom

We spend at least eight hours of our day in the bedroom, and it should be a place that provides safety and security, especially for those with mobility issues. Here are some safety tips to incorporate in the bedroom:

• Reduce clutter: Over time we accumulate stuff, and it may be hard to purge it or find new homes for some items. However, this is a necessary step for increased home safety. Removing the clutter can help because it eliminates potential obstacles in walkways, frees up space, and can keep you organized. Tuck shoes and slippers out of the walking area.
• Nightstand: Keep your bedside table or nightstand neat and clean, and use only for essential items
• Assistive Devices: Keep within reach or use a SuperPole to help you in and out of bed and/or the areas you need support.
• Telephone: Keep a cordless telephone or emergency button within reach of your bedside table.
• Furniture Placement: Create a clear path from your door to bed to bathroom, and chairs out of the way.
• Nightlights: Try installing (sensor) night lights throughout your home, as they can provide enough light to guide your path.
• Eliminate Cord Clutter: Electrical cords can be a tripping hazard if they’re not organized. To stay safe, invest in a power strip to space out the cables.
• Smoke & C0 Detectors: Have smoke/C0 alarms installed outside each sleeping area.  Have someone check and replace the batteries in all detectors   Smoke alarms must be replaced every 10 years

Senior Home Safety in the Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home and a place to eat as a family, but did you know it’s one of the more dangerous rooms in the house?  The National Fire Protection Association  stated that 3 in 10 home fires start in the kitchen, but that’s not the only safety issue. Check out these safety tips to help make your kitchen safer:

• To prevent fires, practise Fire Safety & Prevention: stay in the kitchen when you are cooking. Turn burners off if you have to leave the room, and after you’ve completed your cooking or baking. Make sure to turn off appliances that aren’t being used or invest in ones that have automatic shut off features such as toasters, coffee makers, rice cookers, and tea kettles.
• Be organized: clear countertops for only regularly used essentials within reach, and clean dishware regularly.
• Clean up cluttered messes to avoid the risk of slipping.
• Make sure that heavier objects are at knee to waist level and use lightweight dishes and glassware.
• All rugs are tripping hazards: eliminate kitchen rugs or ensure that it is rubber-backed so that it doesn’t move.
• Do you have a pet? Put water & food bowls out of the way to avoid tripping and slipping on spilled water.
• Make sure the kitchen is well-lit with both daytime and nighttime lighting.
• Have smoke alarms installed on every level of your home outside each sleeping area. Have someone check and replace the batteries in all smoke detectors   Smoke alarms must be replaced every 10 years.

 

Strategies for Avoiding Falls Altogether

By taking care of your health and wellness, you can avoid illness.

Focus on the following strategies, and by seeking assistance with some light to moderate exercise programs, to can age longer and stronger.

• Get Active
• Physical activities that challenge balance
• Muscle strengthening at least 2x per week
• and moderate to vigorous aerobic physical activities of at least 150 minutes per week
• Get Your Sleep (7 to 8 hours of quality sleep)
• Go Slow -but limit being sedentary
• Eat Right
• Stay Hydrated
• Safeguard Your Home & Bathroom
• Get Your Sight & Hearing Checked Regularly
• Review Your Medication with your Physician
• Wear Sturdy Shoes
• Use Mobility Devices for Safety

Active Aging Canada has some tips for keeping you active and on your feet.

Staying active is something we should be doing daily, and staying safe from weather outside is also important. Remember to hydrate first, wear sunblock and a hat.

These are just a few tips to help you help you stay safe in your home.  They are important considerations for both older adults and caregivers. For more ideas,  check out projects that can help seniors live independently.

You don’t have to be an older adult to observe safe practices and prevent falling.

Safety is for everyone!

 

For more information on Bathroom Safety:

  American Standard Walk-in Tubs Canada  1-844-867-7737

 

 

 

We all have New Year’s Resolutions and if one of yours is to incorporate more exercise into your routine, these workouts for seniors can help! There’s no reason to make excuses because in as little as 15 minutes, you can get moving and enjoy the many benefits of exercise.

Let’s look at some safe, effective 15-minute workouts for seniors!

A Walk Outside (or on the Treadmill)

The easiest (and most affordable) way to get moving is just to take a walk outside. Or, if the weather doesn’t permit this winter, take a walk on the treadmill. This exercise should be no more than 60-75% of your maximum heart rate (which is 220 minus your age). Aim for this fat burning zone to both burn calories and increase your cardiovascular strength. For example, if your target heart rate is 165 bpm, a brisk walk should do the trick. If you’re inside, try turning up the incline to imitate walking up hill. This will help raise your heart rate and stimulate more muscles in the legs and glutes.

Wall Push Ups

Regular push ups might be hard for some people, but wall push ups are the perfect upper body workout for seniors because they are low impact for sensitive joints, safe, and effective. Simply stand in front of a sturdy wall about two feet away. Place your hands on the wall at shoulder height. Keep your body straight and bend your elbows so your body leans in toward the wall. Stop with your face as close to the wall as you can get, then push yourself back up. Watch a video demonstration of wall push ups here.
For your full 15-minute workout, try doing 50 seconds of the exercise with 10 seconds rest. You can combine wall push ups with other upper body work, like bicep curls with household items.

Chair Squats

Squats are a great way to work the hamstrings and glutes, but bending down to the ground to do a full squat might be out of the question. But, that doesn’t mean you have to give up this beneficial exercise. In fact, squats are one of the best workouts for seniors because they help improve functional movement that you use every day.

For chair squats, simply set up a sturdy chair and stand about a foot in front of it. Keeping your back straight and your chest upright, sit back into the chair. Instead of putting all your weight down, try to just touch the chair with your glutes and then stand back up. This continuous tension will help your muscles grow! If you want to step it up a notch, try adding some dumbbells for extra weight. Just make sure to stretch it out before and after your workout to avoid injury.

Dance

There are countless dance classes at the gym, but you can have a dance party right in your own living room and get a great workout! If you’re serious about getting your dance on, there are plenty of online resources to learn how to dance. Or, simply put on your favorite playlist and get moving! Don’t worry about looking a little silly, we all need a laugh or two here and there.

Back Leg Raises

While you have your chair out from your chair squats, let’s add another lower body workout for seniors. Back leg raises are a great move to work the hamstrings and glutes and a similar movement is used in a lot of barre, yoga, and ballet classes.

Stand behind a chair and slowly lift one leg straight back without bending your knees or pointing your toes. Instead, flex your foot downward. Hold that pose for one to five seconds, depending on your strength level. Repeat this ten to fifteen times per leg. If you want to try mixing it up, pulse five times while your leg is at its highest point to maintain tension in the muscle. More variations can be found in this barre-inspired video. You’ll have a better shaped behind in no time!

Age is just a number when it comes to moving your body. This year, ditch the excuses and try these workouts for seniors right in your own home. Build a complete workout routine to start 2022 off right.

To help you relax after your exercising program, rejuvenate your body and relax your mind in a hot bath.  A ComfortSeries bathtub can help your body recover.

Want to learn more about the best walk-in tub in Canada? Click the button below to get a free estimate!

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*Health experts suggest that you talk to your doctor before you start an exercise program.

 

written by Lee-Anne Creery for American Standard Walk-in Tubs Canada

A time for celebration, fun and joy, the holiday season is for family, friends and loved ones.  Being careful and aware of safety risks and hazards in your home and in others’, will help ensure that you are safe and healthy.

Decorating

Everyone likes to put up decorations or lighting, but have you considered the material that each is made from, or the age of the item?  If not, it’s time you reviewed your decorations, and eliminate those that are not going to be safe.

Keep all decorations away from a fireplace and any candles, and never use real candles in a Holiday Tree.  All artificial trees and decorations should have a CSA approval and fire-resistant rating.  If it doesn’t, or isn’t visible, then it’s time to replace your decorations.  If you are purchasing new lights, look for LED which burn cooler and saves you money on your electrical bill.

When you purchase or replace your ornaments, try to select new ones that are shatterproof.  This way, if they are dropped or if a furry friend finds them, there won’t be glass to step on or clean up, saving you time, effort and money.

Ensure that the proper lighting and cords are used; make sure that they are properly rated for indoor use, and that the wires are not frayed or damaged.  Lights rated for outdoors only should not be used inside at all.  Follow use guidelines so that you don’t overload cords (think Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation), potentially causing a fire risk.

When decorating, have someone with you if you require a ladder or step-stool.  Having a child or grandchild help with decorating is a gift in itself.

Floor Safety

Keep your floor area clear to prevent any chance of falling.  Elaborate holiday arrangements if not properly placed out of the way of foot traffic, could cause you or your loved ones to trip and fall.  Keep floors clean and remove any scatter rugs that could cause a slip.  All rugs should be adhered to the floor or be rubber-backed to prevent any movement.  If you use an anti-fatigue mat in your kitchen where you prep food, place it exactly where you need it for standing on, and not in the middle of the floor where it will be a trip hazard.

Lighting

Holiday lighting is lovely, but be sure that all areas of your home are properly lit.  Dim holiday lighting can prevent you from seeing a potential hazard, can cause disorientation due to shadows and glares, and generally make it hard to see where you are going.  Light switches can be hard to see, so nightlights in bathrooms will help to ensure you can see where you are going.  If you are visiting overnight, take a nightlight with you, as your host may not have one.

As magical as wintertime is, it can also be a time of power-outages.  Keep a supply of flashlights (never candles) and spare batteries.  It’s probably good to keep blankets in an easy access closet, so you know where they are in case of a lack of heat during these outages.

 

COVID-19

The last couple of years have been difficult for many who cannot see and visit with their loved ones.  We know that there is an increased chance of spread where people congregate together, unknowingly passing the virus to those more vulnerable; however the latest variant Omicron has been deemed airborne.  So when you are planning to visit with family and friends over the holidays, reduce your risk by

• wearing a mask,
• stay in groups of less than 10 people, and
• sanitize/wash your hands often.

 

Fire Safety

Many seniors like to cook for their families during the holidays.  You may have some wonderful traditional recipes, but unattended cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires that occur during holiday time.

Always have a lid handy to smother flames in a pan should it catch fire, and baking soda for grease fires.  However, it’s best to keep an eye on food that is cooking at all times, and ensure that all knobs on your stove and oven are in the “off” position when you are done.

Ensure that your smoke and CO detectors are in working order.

Always have a fire extinguisher and an emergency plan of action in case of fire, along with an escape plan.

 

Personal Health

During the holidays, you should always be mindful of your health, how you feel, and listen to your body first.  Prevent accidents from occurring by being aware of what you are eating, how tired you are, your physical and mental state, and how much sleep you are getting.  A holiday gathering can create a sense of nostalgia, but also melancholy.  Ask someone for help if you need it.

Hydration & Rest

The holidays are full of excitement, anticipation and sometimes confusion.  When you are fatigued from a change in routine, you are vulnerable to falling, and may develop a weakened immune system.  So remember to rest when you need to, and stay hydrated.  Health experts recommend that you drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.  Water is central to your health, and if you have an alcoholic drink, you need to replenish with an additional glass of water for every alcoholic beverage.

Follow Dietary Guidelines

Most people overeat, overindulge on tasty treats, and don’t get enough exercise over the holidays.  If that eating pattern continues, it can affect heart health, and can put you at risk for type 2 diabetes and inflammatory disease.

Eat meaningful food, monitor and modify portion sizes and food types to ensure that it follows Health Canada’s dietary guidelines to keep you healthy.  Be selective in the food you choose, ensure that ½ of your plate is vegetables, ¼ is made up of high fibre carbohydrates, and ¼ plate of lean protein.

Drink one glass of water before you start your meal, and eat slowly to allow your stomach to become accustomed to all the wonderful flavours that is filling it.  The slower you eat, the more your body will appreciate it, and you won’t feel over-stuffed.  All in moderation.

 

Travel

If you plan on travelling, observe COVID recommendations and keep hand sanitizer readily available.  Take your medications with you to ensure that you take them at your usual time.  With the excitement of the holidays and celebrating with loved ones, it is easy to miss a dose.

Once you arrive back home, spend some time rejuvenating and much needed time on yourself.  Ease sore muscles in a relaxing or therapeutic bathtub soak with some essential oils.  Do you have trouble stepping over the tub?  Check out ComfortSeries™ for safety and accessibility.

 

Snow Safety

Do you shovel your own walkway, or are you able to hire someone to help you out?  If you do it yourself, make sure you do some stretching first before properly dressing for the weather; prevent frostbite by covering any exposed skin, and layer your clothing like the Scouts do.  Don’t overdo it; work in small increments at a time.  If it is or becomes too overwhelming, ask a neighbour to snow-blow or help you shovel.  Many communities offer Snow Angels programs, where volunteers remove snow for seniors and people with disabilities.  Call your municipality to inquire.

 

As you prepare for this holiday season, remember these Holiday Safety Tips and be sure to pass them on to your friends.  You don’t have to be an older adult to observe safe practices and prevent falling.  Safety is for everyone!